Director of Foundation Relations and Sponsored Programs

Nebraska Wesleyan University   Lincoln, NE   Full-time     Education
Posted on May 11, 2023

Nebraska Wesleyan University is seeking a full-time, twelve-month Director of Grants & Sponsored Programs, responsible for leading institutional efforts in grant-seeking and grant administration for a teaching-intensive, primarily undergraduate, independent liberal arts institution. The position reports to the Vice President for Advancement and interacts closely with academic affairs, other administrative divisions, and individual faculty. The Director helps identify viable opportunities and ensures the submission of competitive proposals to private foundations and federal agencies to advance NWU's mission and priorities. The Director works to encourage, assist, and review proposals initiated by faculty to increase expertise in their fields. The Director serves as NWU's liaison with funding sources, from relationship building to final grant reporting, and advises senior staff regarding contractual matters and administrative requirements linked to federal funding.

Areas of responsibility:
  1. Plan with others, write, and submit proposals to obtain grants from public and private organizations, for projects which address identified institutional priorities.
  2. Develop proposal budgets in compliance with institutional policies, funding agency requirements, and strategic use of existing NWU resources.
  3. Ensure accuracy and technical quality of all components of the grant proposal package, including federal forms and documentation.
  4. Promote and oversee individual faculty and staff efforts to develop proposals consistent with NWU policies, quality standards, and necessary administrative approval.
  5. Identify new funding opportunities, including through collaboration with external organizations and proactive research of new and recurring grant programs.
  6. Serve as institutional liaison with private and public funding sources for all stages of grant application, extending to eventual contract review and acceptance of grant awards in consultation with senior administration.
  7. Monitor progress of funded projects for appropriate and effective use of grant funds, ensuring that all technical and financial reports and deliverables are submitted on time according to grant agreements, in cooperation with the project director.
  8. Collaborates with various personnel to ensure compliance with federal requirements.
  9. Maintains institution's official files on grant-funded projects at a level suitable for financial audit and review of federal compliance documentation.
  10. Supervise one direct report within the Advancement Team: the Accounts Specialist. Manage the day-to-day areas of focus and performance, provide professional and personal development opportunities, and lead training and retention efforts.
  11. Serve as a member of the Advancement Leadership Team, manage the Grants Administration account and other indirect cost recovery accounts as needed, proactively research emerging trends and industry standards, and manage cross-team projects.
  12. Perform other duties fundamental to being a member of the Advancement Program: appreciate and facilitate the mission, culture, and traditions of the institution; exhibit aptitude for working in a team context and accepting responsibility for the success of one's colleagues as well as one's own success; and perform other essential duties and tasks relevant to the areas of responsibility.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Three years of experience in grant seeking, writing, and successful implementation.
  • Demonstrated experience showing strong skills in business writing and project planning.
  • Adaptable, flexible, and eager to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve goals and successful proposal submissions.
  • Able to work independently, prioritize multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Evidence of excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to interact effectively with a variety of stakeholders, both within the campus community and among friends and alumni of the institution.
  • Must be computer proficient, with knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite Applications.
  • Ability to maintain and be responsible for confidential information, accuracy, and ongoing record-keeping.
Commitment to Diversity:

Diversity is a core value of Nebraska Wesleyan University's mission and we embrace it as a source of strength. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how they enhance and embrace this University core value in a diversity statement submitted as part of their application materials.

Nebraska Wesleyan University provides equal educational and employment opportunities to qualified persons in all areas of university operation without regard to religion or creed, age, genetic information, gender identity and expression, disability, marital status, race, or national or ethnic origin, in compliance with state and federal laws, including but not limited to Title XII, Title IX, and the ADA. E-Verify, EOE.

How to Apply:

To apply, please upload a letter of application, resume, a diversity statement, and the names of three professional references at the following URL: https://nebrwesleyan.applicantpro.com/jobs/. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.


Nebraska Wesleyan University

Lincoln , NE